Constructive criticism is very much appreciated. I have pushed it a bit far, but I was going for a "gritty sports ad look" that I think would look good with a logo and a slogan(Think Nike Swoosh if it were Nike clothes/shoes etc.)

I have no experience with this type of processing or goal, since I rarely look at print ads.
That said, I think you have created a striking image by the play of light across the runner, the detailed accent of his musculature. It looks artificial but I would think that is not important compared to grabbing attention and a bit of Wow!
Possible tweaks that come to mind:
I think the darkness across the face is a bit too strong. I might pull back some shadows there slightly. Perhaps same thing in the darkest areas of his biceps. I'd leave the running suit dark as is for pop/contrast. You might darken the shadow a tad more. Creates a nice effect. It could also be heightened by pulling back the burning/vignette lower right, or brightening the adjacent ground just to the right of the shadow, just in a smallish area. Sky seems quite bright upper left. Maybe mine some details there, darken the upper left corner?

Thanks for your suggestions sbeme!
The artificial look also comes from me not being 100% at making composites.
I will definately try to lighten some parts of him when I get back from work. I'll also look at the vignette and the sky and see if I can make it more pleasing. Maybe drop in some more dramatic clouds or something.

Bob Jarman wrote:
I like the treatment, but at first glance I see "Arnold" and the "Terminator" in the runner's face and grimace; an unfortunate mental imprinting in my case detracting from the overall image.

Is cognitive dissonance the proper term?

But, that is my problem.

regards,

Bob

I guess the "Arnold" face is present because of the city marathon this guy was running when i took the picture of him. It was near the end and I guess thats what a marathon does to you To see the different pictures the composite is made of, just click the image and look at my flickr.